Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2025 · Paper 11 · Question 3

Give an account of the persecutions suffered by the new followers of Islam in Makka.

Use the AO1 Levels of Response.

Candidates should include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.

After the revelation to warn his nearest relatives (26.214), the Prophet (pbuh) took to Mount Safa and invited the Quraysh to follow Islam publicly. They rejected him, feeling threatened by the new message, and they started to persecute the Muslims because they could not dissuade the Prophet (pbuh) from preaching.

No Muslims in Makka were allowed to openly practice their faith, having to leave the city to pray. This can be seen as a form of spiritual persecution. Those who had no protection were easy targets and felt the worst of the persecution. Bilal was severely beaten by his master Umayah ibn Khalaf and made to lie on the burning sand with a rock on his chest, but he did not give up belief in one God.

‘Ammar ibn Yasir, and his parents, were made to lie on hot embers – both his parents were martyred, his father died due to severe torture, his mother Sumayyah was bayoneted to death becoming the first martyr in Islam.

‘Uthman ibn Affan was wrapped in palm leaves and set on fire by his uncle. Khabab ibn al-Arat, a blacksmith, was made to lie on burning coal with a rock on his chest. Harith ibn Hala was tortured and killed. Because of the persecutions, the Prophet (pbuh) allowed some people to migrate to Abyssinia.

Later a social and economic boycott was imposed on the Banu Hashim and they were to live in Shib-i-Abi Talib, where they faced physical, social and economic hardships for many years. A development of these hardships would also allow candidates to achieve higher marks.

What lessons can be learned from the lives of early Muslims about remaining steadfast in their faith?

Use the AO2 Levels of Response.

Candidates can give other examples and all relevant answers should be credited.

One of the lessons could be that the early Muslims had such a deep faith in God and their new belief, that they were willing to give up their lives rather than give up their faith. It does not mean that Muslims now should do the same, but it suggests that a person can hold onto their faith even in difficult circumstances and that turning to God is what will help them get through difficult times.

Another lesson could be that even the strongest believers in God and Islam will be tested with hardship. This is important to know so a person can stay focused and steadfast to their faith even when faced with tests. Other lessons could be that hiding your faith in public can be a solution during situations where you feel like you may be harmed by people who do not like your beliefs. Holding on to your faith is more important than declaring it publicly.

Another way to show devotion to your faith can be to help and support new Muslims who are struggling to learn about their new faith, or by supporting people who are being treated badly because of their faith. Describe the events of the Battles of Mu’ta and Hunayn.